Welcome

History

Scientific Advisory Board

Trustees & Sponsors

Location & Contact

Transparència

Lluís Torner

Welcome to our web page.

This is our gateway to the world, most likely the window through which you will meet us for the first time. We hope you find everything you are looking for.

ICFO is a young research institution that aims to advance the very limits of knowledge in Photonics, namely the science and technology of harnessing Light. Light, especially laser light, is one of the major enabling technologies currently available to humankind. Our research thrusts target the global forefront of photonics, and aim to tackle important challenges faced by society at large. We focus on current and future problems in Health, Energy, Information, Safety, Security and caring for the Environment.

Our most valued assets are our PhD students and post-doctoral researchers. They are bright, ambitious young women and men, with a talent for discovery and strong moral values, who aim to achieve difficult but important goals. Central to our mission is the training of the next generation of scientists and technicians through courses, seminars, access to cutting-edge experimental infrastructures, and mentoring by researchers that are among the best in the world in their field. This training aims to equip talented students with unique capabilities that help them become future leaders, either in the academic or in the industrial world.

ICFO’s core spirit is ingenuity, fascination for the unknowns, and hard work, attitudes shared by many researchers around the world with whom ICFO researchers continuously interact and correspond.

Listen to your heart: If you share these values and ambitions and you like working with light, surf our web to identify the challenge that most interests you, and get on board. A new project is about to leave port to take you on an exciting intellectual trip.

ICFO History... in a Flash

Photonics, the science of the generation, transmission and manipulation of light, is a fascinating and dynamic field that is considered one of the Key Enabling Technologies of our time with applications in almost all areas of our lives, including but not limited to health, energy, information, communication, and security.

In 2002, the Government of Catalonia and the Technical University of Catalonia – Barcelona Tech launched a research center which aimed to attract talented scientists from around the world to conduct both basic and applied research in Photonics at the highest level. ICFO's founding objectives were to advance the science of light and develop advanced light-based technologies which would create new understanding, new solutions, and new tools to help industry and society at large to tackle today’s main challenges.

ICFO’s first facilities were located in rented space, however rapid growth in size and scope warranted an independent, purpose built facility. The Government of Catalonia donated land for the current facilities in the Mediterranean Technology Park in Castelldefels (Barcelona), allowing for the construction of a 14000 m2 state of the art building. ICFO’s facilities were developed thanks to three separate building projects made possible by funding from the Governments of Catalonia and Spain, the European Union and Cellex Foundation Barcelona. Research at ICFO is supported on a base funding basis by the founding institutions and by competitive projects from national and international funding agencies as well as private institutions and enterprises.

ICFO has earned international recognition for the quality of its scientific output, with outstanding publications in leading journals, a healthy patent portfolio, and research groups made up of highly qualified and motivated scientists from around the world. ICFO is committed to research excellence and is convinced that scientific careers in general, and physics in particular, are beneficial for business, bringing positive returns in terms of innovation and growth for the economy and a positive impact for society as a whole.

2002

The Government of Catalonia and Technical University of Catalonia Barcelona Tech launch the center, with the mission to conduct wide-scope, basic and applied research at the highest international level in several branches of the Sciences and Technologies of Light.

2005

ICFO moves from founding offices in Barcelona to a purpose built "Phase 1" facility of 5000m2, located in the Mediterranean Technology Park, in the seaside town of Castelldefels (Barcelona metropolitan area). It houses twenty research laboratories and a nanofabrication lab.

2008

ICFO finishes construction of "Phase 2" building extension adding 5000 m² to existing facilities, including 25 new laboratories, new chemistry, biology and post-processing nanophotonics labs, a new auditorium and leisure and discussion space.

2010

Fundació Privada CELLEX Barcelona provides a generous endowment for the CELLEX NEST project. The project includes a dedicated building which represents 3rd wing of the ICFO facilities as well as funding for young group leaders to conduct new lines of research.

2011

Construction of the Nest building officially starts with the laying of its foundation stone.

2012

The Fundació Privada CELLEX Barcelona donated to ICFO the CELLEX NEST Building, adding 4000m2 of state-of-the-art spaces and completing the ICFO facility. The new building contains unique formal and informal meeting areas, laboratories, and highly functional work areas. The official inauguration ceremony takes place within ICFO's 10th Anniversary Celebration.

2013

Several international rankings, including Mapping Scientific Excellence and Nature Index, placed ICFO as one of the highest quality research institutions world-wide in its area of research.

2018

Over 60 laboratories 400+ professionals work at ICFO 50+ nationalities26 research groups

AND GROWING…

The Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) is central to the strategy and high-level evaluation procedures accompanying research conducted at ICFO. The SAB is composed of internationally distinguished scientists, and advises ICFO's Director and Board of Trustees on key matters concerning the scientific development of the Institute.

The offices and laboratories of ICFO are located in a dedicated building situated in the Parc Mediterrani de la Tecnologia (PMT, Mediterranean Technology Park), in the seaside town of Castelldefels, in the metropolitan Barcelona area. The PMT is located next to the Canal Olímpic, ten minutes away from the beach.

Transportation and Directions to ICFO

Train (RENFE)

The Castelldefels train station is just 300 metres from the PMT and connects it to Barcelona by the RENFE Rodalies (local trains) line R2. Four to six trains run every hour from Barcelona-Passeig de Gracia and Barcelona-Sants stations. Travel time is 20-30 minutes.RENFE - Local trains scheduleStation to ICFO map

Car

The PMT is 10 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes from downtown Barcelona. C-32 motorway (formerly A-16): exit 46, see map. C-31 motorway (formerly N-246): Canal Olímpic exit, see map. There is a parking area next to the ICFO along the Olympic Canal.

Taxi Service

Ràdio Taxi Castelldefels; 45 vehicles.Tel: 936 653 557

If you arrive by plane...

...from "El Prat" Airport, Barcelona Taking a taxi from the airport would be the best option. Approximate price: 15-20 €. Directions for the driver: Take C-31 motorway (formerly N-246) to Castelldefels. Canal Olímpic Exit

... from Girona Airport (RyanAir) Take A-7 motorway to Barcelona. When approaching Barcelona, follow "Ronda de Dalt - Llobregat" signs. This road links with the C-32 motorway. Exit at 46 - Castelldefels. Then follow the signs to either Canal Olímpic or UPC Campus.

Barcelona Bus - Single Ticket 11 € / Return ticket 19 €. Travel time 1h 10min. Bus stops at the Estació del Nord Bus Station, located in Alí Bei St. Take the metro from there to Passeig de Gracia or Sants Estació and the RENFE local train (see above) to Castelldefels.